WHERE TO FIND HERBS

I collect the majority of herbs that I use from the wild. Much of my work is based on teaching others how to do the same, following the basic philosophy to use what is at hand. This is herbalism as a living art form and way of life. Since plants are living beings and the healing process is largely a process of becoming more in harmony with the world around you, it is philosophically ideal to use herbs from your local environment based on your intuitive sense of what is best for you. However, for a variety of reasons, it is often best to use herbs purchased in a variety of forms.

The most basic way to purchase herbs is to buy the dried plant material. This has a very significant financial advantage compared purchasing already prepared herbal products (though not as advantageous as wild-crafting). Dried herbs require preparation. This is sometimes, depending on the herb, quite simple and sometimes quite involved. If you have the time, making plant medicines can be very rewarding and can add to your healing experience. Further, if you make your own preparations you can adjust them as needed. The biggest drawback for busy modern folk to making herbal preparations is the time required.

It is important to note that some herbs have a short shelf life as dried herbs and are not necessarily best purchased bulk.

It is also possible and often easiest to buy pre-made herbal products. My general rule of thumb is to go with tinctures and other liquid extracts (cough syrups, etc.) and to avoid capsules and tablets (with a few exceptions). Powders can also be purchased as a convenient way to make a liquid preparation.

There are many stores locally that offer a selection of herbs and herbal products. Nature's Grace in Honesdale, PA has a selection of commonly used dried herbs.

Those interested in learning about the collection of their own herbs could plan on attending several of my walks in order to gain some understanding about plant identification and the harvest, preparation, and use of medicinal herbs. Whenever possible and of interest, I encourage learning about the local wild herbs and to incorporating them into healing.

Here is a New York source of dried herbs.Herbalist & Alchemist is a great source of tinctures and some other products.Chinatown shops, such as Kamwo, are great for finding Chinese herbs and products in New York City and other cities.I will be adding more links to recommended companies in the upcoming weeks.

Check my schedule for workshops on tincture making and other aspects of medicine preparation.

Genesis 1:29 “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which isthe fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.” King James Version (KJV)